Description of the Incident:
Before Gwen was loaded on her connecting flight in Houston, the agent noticed that she was not breathing well. She was immediately removed from the flight line and taken for emergency Veterinary care. After 2 days of Veterinary Critical Care, Gwen went into respiratory arrest and died at the animal hospital under the care of Veterinary Specialist.

Description of the Cause of the Incident:
According to the necropsy report, “…the parenchymal exhibits widespread partial pulmonary atelectasis ..” which led to this animal getting into breathing trouble during the stress of transport. Without the ability to react normally to this stress, the animal went into respiratory failure which was the eventual cause of death.

Description of any corrective action taken:
None, as this death was not related to Continental Airlines’ handling.